The Last Rage as Lunch axe falls

– page 6-7 – page 8-9 April 2010 Number 3 BACK TO THE FUTURE Graham Dawbarn’s vision for television Page 2

With highlights from Ariel

What do you remember of TVC’s opening day? (Yes, it was 50 years ago this June!) News The home of TV innovation Programme cavalcade from the Mill Birmingham City University is creating a non commercial website and organising a screening event to celebrate programme making from BBC Pebble Mill. The screening event, at the Midlands Arts Centre in July with funding from Screen West Midlands, is in partnership with 7 Inch Cinema and the arts centre. Vanessa Jackson, formerly of BBC Birmingham and now degree leader, Television, at the university’s School of Media, says the event will concentrate on the English Regions Drama output, with PROSPERO such iconic dramas as Nuts in May , April 2010 Gangsters and Boys from the Blackstuff . The website will cover a broader range of programme making, and include some video interviews with programme makers. ‘For the What was Pebble Mill? website, Prospero is provided free to we are looking for photographs of Pebble Mill, of the people who worked there, and retired BBC employees. It can This June the BBC will be marking 50 years of innovation the programmes they worked on,’ says also be sent to spouses or in the world’s first purpose-built television production Vanessa. ‘We are particularly keen to use centre – and head of history Robert Seatter would like to photos on the site which would not incur dependants who want to keep hear from TV veterans with stories to tell. a BBC copyright fee, due to only having a The building was designed by Graham Dawbarn, who very small budget to work with. If you in touch with the BBC. It produced our cover illustration in the mid-50s to show have photos, or other material which you includes news about former the BBC how the home of its television services might think might be interesting to have on the one day look. With eight studios around a question-mark website, and which you are happy that we colleagues, pension issues, – famously sketched on a used envelope – the centre use then please get in touch with me.’ and developments at the established itself as the biggest concentration of programme-making in the world. The aim is to have the website up and Dawbarn’s iconic building is recognised the world over, and fittingly, it was the hub running within a couple of months. It will BBC. Prospero includes for global coverage of the dawn of the new millennium. include forums and discussions, as well as So what stories can you tell about BBC Television Centre? Landmark programmes a photo gallery and video interviews. classified advertisements. To that may jog memories include the first live television from the USA by Telstar satellite Email [email protected] or call advertise in Prospero or the (1962); the Wednesday Play (1964); the first pictures of man on the moon (1969); and 07958 600 856 or 0121 331 6765 the last major drama series to be shot there – The House of Eliott (1994). BBC Staff magazine, Ariel, Write to Prospero , or visit Memoryshare at see page 11. http://www.bbc.co.uk/memoryshare/about.shtml Moving on This is my last issue as editor of Here’s to Harry Prospero , as I move back to full-time Subscription information for Tributes poured in for Harry Carpenter, on work away from the BBC. news of his death at the age of 84 last month. So for the foreseeable future Ariel is on page 12 Sir Henry Cooper said Harry was ‘a lovely Prospero will be edited in Cardiff. If guy’ who was ‘never flash’. ‘If you were good you would like to contribute please then he’d give you a good write-up and if contact the pensions team via the new not, he told you one or two truths.’ Prospero email address – Director of BBC Sport Barbara Slater said prospero@bbc.co.uk or write to BBC Harry’s was ‘one of the standout voices of Pension & Benefits Centre, sports broadcasting’. And Des Lynam Broadcasting House, Cardiff, CF5 remembered a ‘modest, humble man’ who 2YQ. You can also leave a telephone always travelled to Television Centre by message at the Prospero voicemail tube. box, 020 7765 1414 Harry, who retired in 1994, was the BBC’s Robin Reynolds voice of boxing for nearly 50 years. CROSPERO 147 1 2 Editorial contributions Devised and compiled by Jim Palm • • 3 4 5 Complete the square using the clues; these apply only to words • Write to Prospero running across. Then take these words in numerical order and • • BBC Pension & Benefits Centre extract the letters indicated by a dot. If your answers are correct, 6 7 8 Broadcasting House these letters will spell out the name of a popular BBC programme. • • • 9 10 Cardiff, CF5 2YQ Please send your answers in an envelope marked Crospero to The • • Tel: 020 7765 1414 Editor, Prospero, BBC Pension and Benefits Centre, Broadcasting House, Cardiff CF5 2YQ by April 30. 11 • Email [email protected] Clues: 1. Dandy (4); 2. Ethereal Juice (5); 3. Broad sash (3); 4. 12 Commotion (3); 5. Space (3); 6. Chinese Principle (3); 7. Vehicle (3); • 8. Southern City (3); 9. Raised platform (5); 10. Assist (4); 11. Please make sure that any digital Defence organisation (4); 12. Working out (11); 13. Commercial 13 pictures you send are scanned travellers (4); 14. Fighting force (4); 15. Place for dates (5); 16. Make • legal claim (3); 17. US president (3); 18. Card (3); 19. Measures for 14 at 250 dpi 15 printers (3); 20. Remove (3); 21. Tent fixing (3); 22. Surrey town (5); • • Design & production editor: Ann Ramsbottom 23. Hardy lass (4). 16 17 18 Solution to Crospero No. 146 : Efference; Paean; Merle; Slid; Seel; Yells; Deaf; Nasal; Virtu; Lops; Trust; Trip; Aire; Tiara; Roget; • • • Mixed Sources Stellated. The two down words were YENTL and FAUST. 19 20 21 Product group from well-managed forests, controlled sources and The programme was FAMILY FAVOURITES. recycled wood or fiber •• • WWW.fsc.org Cert no. SA-COC-1468 22 23 c 1996 Forest Stewardship Council The winner of Crospero 146 is Mr Ray Targett of Letchworth, Herts • •

2 • • April • 2010 Strategy Review BBC narrows its remit

Radio services will close and the BBC’s web - site will shrink under the proposals outlined in the Corporation’s recently published strat - The debate: a voice for pensioners egy review. The review narrows the BBC’s remit, and By Bud Evans own judgments. Stop being slaves to identifies five priorities. In future the BBC BBC pensioners are being urged to have ratings. will strive to offer: their say about the strategy review • Remember that quality and high • the best journalism in the world launched by DG Mark Thompson. standards do not have to be sacrificed • inspiring knowledge, music and culture The Pensioners’ Association for a programme to be popular. • ambitious UK drama and comedy management committee is inviting • Be more responsive to public criticism • outstanding children’s content members and would-be members to while, crucially, not losing your • events that bring communities and the respond during the consultation period collective nerve at every ‘crisis’ – the nation together either by posting their reaction to the BBC remains one of the UK’s great Director-general Mark Thompson says the proposals on the BBCPA website creative institutions and a world icon. proposals will ‘strengthen the BBC’s hand’. ([email protected]) or to make In that survey, pensioners advocated He told staff: ‘If we simply said we’re not their views known in person by attending more TV programmes for the over-50s prepared to countenance any criticism, any the annual general meeting of the and were critical of paying excessive change, any adjustment to what we do, I association on April 22, when time will be sums to retain talent, arguing for the think you would begin to see the public at devoted to discussing the plan. creation of new talent. large saying does the BBC really get it? Pensioners have a record of expressing The association’s membership ‘This strategy will not lead to a BBC which forceful views about the future of the BBC. secretary, Nick Whines, said: ‘BBC Mark Thompson is small, or cowed. It will still be a BBC of very Two years ago 4,000 of them took part in a pensioners possess a unique viewpoint considerable scale and scope, focusing on its wide-ranging survey, ‘Life after the BBC’. and a wealth of experience concerning core areas of strength, areas which the public The message then was pretty clear: the organisation. They should be able to most want us to be strong in, still delivering to • Do what you do best – drama, cutting contribute positively and effectively to the overwhelming majority of the British pop - edge investigative journalism, wildlife the debate about the future of the BBC ulation great services every day.’ programmes, quality children’s and I hope they will.’ He insisted that the proposals were ‘not a programmes, innovative comedy. The BBCPA annual general meeting is retreat’. • Treat the audience as people well able at Friends’ House, 173 Euston Road, ‘As we learn what the future looks like, as to think for themselves and make their London, Thursday, April 22, at 2pm. we go into this digital space, it’s about mak - ing some adjustments. As non-linear services mean it’s easier for people to catch up on our spend is proportionate... to viewers and listeners would be reduced.’ content we can begin to look at our portfo - ‘Focusing the BBC on what it does best Sir Michael defended the BBC Trust, which lio. It is reasonable for us, especially when will in the end lead to a stronger BBC.’ the Conservatives have threatened to disman - other broadcasters are struggling in areas like His views were echoed by BBC Trust chair tle if they are elected, and pointed out that it investment in original drama and comedy, to Sir Michael Lyons, who said the BBC should had two kinds of critics – political and com - say “you know what, we are going to spend have clear boundaries to allow the public mercial. If changes to the governance of the the licence fee on that, rather than on quite greater choice in the media marketplace. BBC were proposed, ‘the public will rightly be as many acquired programmes”. ‘If it acted in such a way as to prevent new suspicious about those seeking commercial ‘We are going to put a cap on what we entrants coming into the market or to dis - advantage and those pressing for stronger spend on sports rights – we’re not getting out courage other existing operators from political control, however it is disguised’. Sir Michael Lyons of sport, we’re going to make sure what we expanding, then the range of media available Staff anger: pages 8-9 Reunions Goodbye to TFS hog-roast The TFS reunion and hog-roast will be held on Saturday May 8 from 12.30 onwards at The Duke of Kent pub, Scotch Common, Kingswood London W13. Please note that tickets are only available to applicants who have previously been employed by the BBC Film Department and their partners, and must be applied for after 62 years in advance. There will be no ticket sales on the door. Tickets are £15 per head. For fur - The sale of Kingswood Warren has con - ing contributions to broadcasting. Ground explained: ‘Their new location will enable ther details and application forms email tributed a substantial sum to the BBC’s cof - breaking stuff like High Definition TV, them to liaise more closely with other areas [email protected], or fers. DAB digital radio, the digital satellite TV of the BBC, notably production. We feel phone 07850 690045. The exact figure paid hasn’t yet been dis - service Freesat and, for the future, 3DTV that this will lead to many new creative closed but it is one of three properties sold and surround video. The centre’s trophy cab - opportunities for the entire BBC and will by the corporation which have brought in inet is bursting with technical awards, ensure that we remain world class in terms of Alexandra Palace more than £44 million in cash in the last including four Emmys. our contribution to the progression of The Alexandra Palace Television Society year. The others are the West London sites of The BBC says in the changing world of broadcast technology internationally.’ reunion is being held on Tuesday, June 1. Woodlands and Victoria Road in Acton broadcasting it now makes sense to have the Most of the broadcasting boffins are now Any members who have not already which housed the wigs and costumes depart - R&D creative minds closer to the main based at Centre House in West London with received a notice but would like to attend ment. operations where they are just down the cor - some going to Manchester before moving to can contact Norman Taylor by email Contracts for the sale of Kingswood, which ridor from colleagues in other departments. the new MediaCityUK Salford headquarters ([email protected]) with their name the BBC purchased in 1948, were exchanged Alison Kelly from BBC Workplace in 2011. and postal address two years ago and the keys to the 18-acre site near Epsom in Surrey, were finally handed over on March 1. The new owners are Octagon, a property Scotland and Channel Isles next for switchover development company. They want to con - The switchover programme from television channels will be switched off switchover, you will lose your TV service. vert the central mansion house into eight analogue to digital television marches on, region by region and replaced with You can check when your region is apartments and build fourteen new homes and this year, Channel and STV North TV free-to-air digital TV and radio services switching by visiting on the rest of the site after demolishing the regions make the transition. (Freeview). Switchover will extend www.digitaluk.co.uk/postcodechecker or other buildings. The proposals have been The first transmitter in the STV Central Freeview coverage to the whole of the calling the Digital UK advice line on turned down by the local council, but region also switches in October 2010, UK and free up airwaves for new services 08456 50 50 50. Octagon have appealed against the refusal followed by the remaining transmitters in such as ultra-fast wireless broadband The BBC’s Switchover Help Scheme, and a public inquiry into the scheme is 2011. Wales and the Border, West and mobile television. becomes active in each TV region around scheduled to be held in May. Country, Granada and West TV regions Digital services are also available via six months before digital switchover. You As the much loved home of BBC Research have already switched. broadband, cable and satellite but if you can check whether you qualify for help & Development, it’s had many talented peo - Between now and 2012, the analogue don’t have digital TV by the time of by visiting www.helpscheme.co.uk ple through its doors who’ve made outstand - April • 2010 • •3 Letters Letters Contacts This issue… Murdoch and those Mondays; The woman who banned Blyton; a cry from the regions; friends and colleagues remembered; and a King’s clue... Visiting Scheme If you would like a visit or information on how to become a volunteer visitor, please ring 0845 712 5529. You will be charged only as a local call. The day the maestro died – en route to Paris Queries Marion Holledge’s memories brought back I WOULD NORMALLY bow to Jim Palm’s For benefit and pension payroll queries, many of my own, but her recollections of encyclypaedic knowledge of early radio call the Service Line on 029 2032 2811. the Glenn Miller story are at variance with programmes, but I was there too! I clearly Johnners and Frank mine. Some time ago on Radio 2 George remember the opening jingle: Prospero Melly narrated the story of GM, much of ‘It's Monday night at eight o’clock – can’t To add, or delete a name from the which coincided with my own you hear the chimes? They’re telling you to – to name but two distribution list ring the service line (number remembrance. take an easy chair. Settle by the fireside, Prospero is having bad luck captioning a photo that appeared in the above). Prospero is provided free of In 1944 the American Army Air Force take out your Radio Times , for Monday February and March issues. Two broadcasters are variously identified charge to retired BBC employees. On Band under the direction of Capt Glenn Night at Eight is on the air.’ After the as G. Larkby, Leslie Mitchell, John Snagge and Brian Johnston. Only request, we will also send it to spouses Miller arrived in this country and was programme the words were ‘....Produced by one of these is right. or dependants who want to keep in touch initially billeted in London, from where a Harry Pepper and Douglas Moodie, we In fact, the picture shows Frank Gillard (microphone in hand) and with the BBC. Prospero is also available number of broadcasts and recordings were hope the programme hasn’t caused a frown. Johnners on the Victoria memorial. How do I know? Well, I worked on on audio tape for those with sight made. At this time ‘buzzbombs’ were falling So goodbye everybody, it’s time to say programmes with Leslie, John and Frank and met and photographed impairment. all too frequently, and it was soon decided goodnight, for Monday Night at Eight is Johnners a number of times. Words, however, are slippery things and To register please ring the Service Line to move the entire outfit, some 50 strong, to closing down.’ have twice misled us with this picture! So here is the clinching evidence. on 029 2032 2811 Bedford. Perhaps Ronnie Waldman produced it In 1952 Brian Johnston published his first book called Let's Go Soon afterwards their London once, or perhaps my remembered Douglas Somewhere - a wonderful picture of his life in the OB department. BBC Club accommodation was destroyed by a V-One. Moodie was an occasional guest producer? Opposite page 48 is the photo that’s causing so much confusion. Its The BBC Club in London has a retired Broadcasting continued from the Bedford I’m intrigued, but I’m sure of what I heard. caption reads: ‘They also serve... I learn my job with Frank Gillard category membership costing £24 a year studio, and when Paris fell to the allies, the Margaret Etall outside Buckingham Palace at the Royal Wedding, November 1947.’ for members; and £36 a year for family re-named Band of the AEF was scheduled to Frank Gillard, of course, was a distinguished war correspondent. He membership. Pre-1997 life members are fly there for further concerts and broadcasts. later became managing director of BBC Radio and oversaw the creation not affected. Regional clubs may have The newly-promoted Major Miller was to Jean Sutcliffe of Radios 1, 2, 3 and 4 and was the driving force who created BBC different arrangements. fly in advance in order to make the The World at twenty? I am an author and journalist seeking local radio. Please call BBC Club London necessary arrangements. Apologies for being a bore about this but as I’m sure you know the WatO photo in information about Jean Sutcliffe, former Roger George Clark administration office on 020 8752 66 66 or Fog delayed all flights until December 15, Prospero has delighted and intrigued not a few of the people in it, including me. We head of the BBC's Schools Department, email [email protected]. when Major Miller hitched a ride with all look thinner and younger which I expect is one of the reasons we like the picture creator of Listen With Mother, and Colonel Baessell in a Norseman piloted by so. But Nick Barrett (now living in Italy) says if he has a beard then it must be the famously the person who banned Enid from where we would go into Windsor maiden name was Thornton and I worked restaurant arm-in-arm with a clutch of Benevolent Fund 21-year-old Flying Officer Morgan. 80s (20th anniversary?) rather than the 70s. Is this possible? Perhaps your readers Blyton’s work from the airwaves for being Great Park for two or three hour hacks. first in News and then in Orchestral designers. We enjoyed weekends at her Mill This is funded by voluntary contributions The plane failed to arrive in Paris, and it can help clear this up. As ancient newshounds I think we’d like to be absolutely sure too trivial (as she saw it). She was in fact The annual shows on Balloon Meadow Management. Very happy days indeed. in Kent and lunchtime visits to the Tate from the BBC and its purpose is to protect was assumed to have crashed into the of the date. my mother’s cousin. I would like to hear Shirley Green (nee Thornton) Gallery. Her legacy is an affectionate mix of the welfare of staff, pensioners and their Channel. Sue MacGregor from any readers who have memories of her companionship and serious work. families. Grants are made at the discretion The band travelled later, and continued to or has kept an obituary. Maggie was fond of her designers and we of the trustees. They may provide assis - play under the baton of their chief arranger Christopher Wilson Memories of Maggie were very fond of her. tance in cases of unforeseen financial Jerry Gray until their repatriation to the I know this for certain because I was there. have been a full-time BBC employee and in [email protected] Maggie Dale had many friends among her Cliff Hatts hardship, for which help from other USA in 1945. I and my colleague, secretary to Vic Moody, the RAF as well, whereas Richard Murdoch colleagues in Design. The relationship sources is not available. Derek M. Shaw assistant EiC OBs, always joined the could be in the RAF and still accept between the performing arts and visual arts AS A RETIRED VT editor I was saddened engineer in the control room to watch the engagements in his free time. Scarce news was important to her and inseparable from to read of Maggie Dale’s death. Prospero Society show. Afterwards we would walk around to My colleague and I never missed being Well said Ann Stephens – more news in the art of dance. I and many of my colleagues always Prospero Society is the only section of the Mondays with Stinker the bus stop in Park Lane, and Richard among the audiences for ITMA and Prospero about the regions please! Human were on his land. Richard sadly died a few In the early 60s we ran a Television enjoyed working for such a talented and BBC Club run by and for retired BBC staff I must take issue with Jim Palm over the Murdoch would join us there to wait for his Mediterranean Merry Go Round from the nature being as it is, I urgently scan each years ago but we keep in touch with his wife Designer’s Film Society showing the clasic lovely lady. and their spouses. Its aims are to enable matter of Richard Murdoch’s connection bus. No cars and few taxis in wartime, of Criterion and for Glenn Miller’s broadcasts edition of Prospero for matters of interest Joan. ‘art house movies’ which were not to be seen I remember a series of dance programmes BBC pensioners to meet on a social basis with Monday Night at Eight . He most course. from the Paris Cinema, including the night about people and places that I knew in my I think I must be the ‘Shirley’ mentioned on the main channels (and still aren’t!). she produced that always began with a ‘with for theatre visits, luncheons, coach outings certainly introduced this non-audience show Ronnie Waldman may have produced the Bing Crosby joined him on his way to 30 years at the Beeb. Sadly the paper is in the footnote as I married a Peter Green in Maggie was a committed member – arriving it’ presenter, wearing conspicuous earphones, etc. Prospero is supported by BBC Club from an underground studio near Marble show – he was a producer in the variety France to entertain the American forces. quickly in the recycling bin. 1955 who I met at the Stillwells. My for a showing fresh from her favourite sitting in the sound control room of a TV funds so as to make events affordable. Arch, manned by an OB engineer. department – but I hardly think he could Marion Holledge David Peel studio, introducing the first item. The only conditions (apart from paying a During the introduction, he started the small annual subscription) are that you It’s your Prospero (as we used to say about the Martin and his music track from an in-vision sound deck, must be a BBC pensioner and a member BBC PENSIONERS’ ASSOCIATION Rosie by another BBC), and it’s a part-time operation. So if you then there was (at the time) a tricky music of the BBC Club. Write for an application want more material of interest to you, feel free edit (with all the 15 frames time form to: Graham Snaith, 67 Newberries a strong association for a safe pension name... to contribute, and encourage your friends to do amazing displacement intrinsic in two inch video Avenue, Radlett, Herts. WD7 7EL, likewise – ed tape cut editing) to the dance sequence in telephone: 01923 855177 BBCPA has been working for over 20 years to hydraulics... the studio itself. mobile: 07736 169612 email: protect and safeguard your BBC Pension With reference to your picture of The programme was unusual, inventive [email protected] Shirley shows up Bill Farrow in the obituary section and very well received except by a sniffy Why not join us? The article on the BBC Riding Club was of (Prospero , March), I worked with minority who felt it did not fit into their BBC products Your support is vital to ensure our voice is heard. great interest to me as I joined in the early Bill from the time I joined the concept of ‘culture’. I believe it was pulled BBC retired staff are entitled to a 30% Just fill in the form below or visit our web site: 1950s, and it brought back many memories. BBC at Harewood House in 1961 before the end of its scheduled run. discount off the RRP of most products I too remember Ken Hughes and Geoff until I left to go to Research Can anyone remember the name of this in the BBC TV Centre shop. There is a www.bbcpa.org.uk Dorset very well and kept in touch with department in 1977. We had moved to Henry Wood House in the mid 60s, and it short series? postage charge of £2.95 per order Individual Annual Subscription £10.00 Geoff long after he left the Mounted Police was there that the chap on Bill’s left in the picture joined us as a draughtsman. Geoff Higgs (not per item). Pensioners must quote Joint Annual Subscription £15.00 Force and joined the British Horse Society His name is Martin Hanning and I remember he was passionate about restoring the their BBC pension number when Life Membership (over 80) £50.00 as an examiner and inspector. big Citroen DS19 and DS23s which were such amazing cars for the time with their ordering. Contact: BBC Shop, My early memories are of going to revolutionary hydraulic suspension. Letters extra: Audience Foyer, Television Centre, I would like to make a donation £ Windsor most weekends and riding at Brian Smith Page 7 Wood Lane, London W12 7RJ. Tel Richard Stillwell’s stable in Old Windsor 020 8225 8230. Email [email protected]. Title (Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms) Pension Number Other ways to order (quoting your pen - sion number when ordering): First Name Surname By phone: 08700 777 001 8.30am- The missing carols: was Boris to blame? 6pm weekdays. By post: BBC Shop, PO Address Box 308, Sittingbourne, Kent ME9 8LW. Further to Paul Donovan’s letter about by the BBC. Even King’s themselves (in BBC minutes and records of discussions acoustic such as you find in cathedrals Email: [email protected]. the missing carol service of 1930 articles and interviews emanating from are by no means complete, especially for adds an electrical charge to the music. Or visit BBC Shops in Eastbourne, Thank you for printing the obituary for (Prospero , March), I asked a colleague, Kingsmen and College reports and so on) these earlier days. The cuttings files People wanting to hear the choir should Brighton, Leicester, Birmingham or Postcode Date of birth Rosie Barlas ( Prospero , February). Brian Head, who was in the King’s have sometimes given the wrong year. make clear just how famous the service come to King’s – that was Boris’s early Liverpool. UK postage £2.45 for However a line was missed which Cambridge choir in the 1950s and who I It’s 1930, not 1929. In other words Boris became so quickly. By 1934 or 35 it had attitude, I think. My hunch would be that telephone, post and email orders. Tel Number e-mail would have made things clearer. Rosie thought might know something about Ord did it in his first year having been in certainly become ‘famous’, ‘an annual he didn’t fight for the 1930 broadcast. Overseas: £4.50 for one item and £2 for Barlas will not be recognised by this. He in turn contacted Timothy Day, office only a few weeks. tradition’. But in 1930 it didn’t cause that Boris Ord was not a meticulous each additional product for telephone, Please make cheques payable to BBC Pensioners’ Association. readers of Prospero as she did not visiting senior research fellow at King’s But why no broadcast in 1930? There’s much comment. archivist and there well may be letters or post and email orders. Please return the form and cheque to: BBCPA, PO Box 230, Alton, GU34 9AR marry until several years after leaving College, London, who replied as follows: nothing in the papers at King’s that I Boris had a peculiar attitude (or papers in other hands that shed light. the BBC, where she was known as This is one historical detail about which found, nothing in all the likely files. I attitudes) towards the BBC and of course …Next time I’m at King’s (Cambridge) I’ll BBC PA Rosie Russon. All her costumes there has been a very great deal of couldn’t find anything at the BBC Written he didn’t want recordings made before check the papers again. For details of how to join the Pensioners’ BBCPA is an independent organisation which operates contain a Rosie Russon label. confusion... Archives Centre. the war. And you can see his point; I hope this might advance the cause. Association, see panel on page 3. to support the interests of BBC Pensioners Joyce Hawkins In 1930 the Service wasn’t broadcast This sounds almost incredible, but then someone at this time said that an John Nightingale 4 • • April • 2010 ‘ April • 2010 • ’ • 5 Life after Auntie The last London Lunch

Grace Wyndham Goldie (BBC) Trust Fund Applications are invited for grants from the Grace Wyndham Goldie (BBC) Trust Fund, which exists to help those engaged in broadcasting or an associated activity, now or in the past, as well as their children and dependants. The Trustees, in their discretion, And now for the bad news: the news is will consider giving assistance bad. That was the message from former towards educational costs in small war correspondent Martin Bell to retired ways, such as travelling expenses, engineers who had gathered for the last school outfits, books and additions London Lunch recently. to educational awards. New Variously an MP, author, a poet and Unicef Other grants are made to help ambassador on humanitarian emergencies since his retirement from the BBC, Martin relieve sickness or continuing attacked journalists and news organisations hardship not covered by aid from who are, he says, failing the public. other sources. These include giving ‘There has been a pulling back. There are assistance to families or elderly now some amazing [technological] The last lunch... people facing economic problems, possibilities, and yet the agenda has gone One hundred former BBC engineers turned disability or serious medical cause down market, and we have retreated. There out for the last ‘London Lunch’ – an event is a new doctrine – not reporting, but that goes back no one can remember quite conditions, such as those requiring performing, arm-waving, being in the how far. special care. moment.’ In the absence of a young and The income of the Fund is limited. Part of the problem, he admitted, was the enthusiastic volunteer to coordinate future So that help can be given where it trend among militia to attack and kidnap events, Mike Bunting and Norman Taylor are is most needed, applicants must be journalists such as Frank Gardner, targeted winding up the ‘lunch account’, and will prepared to give, in confidence, full in Riyadh six years ago. As a result it was donate surplus funds to one of the BBC’s for more difficult for reporters to see for charities. information about the themselves what was happening in danger down, and we will pay the price.’ The London Lunch for retired engineers circumstances supporting their zones. One outcome, he said, was a failure Ever the campaigner, Martin gave his take were instituted by a director of engineering applications. to reflect the British military defeat in Basra. on the expenses scandal in Westminster, – again no one seems quite sure which. The Write to: BBC Pension & Benefits ‘We were defeated in Basra, but we didn’t which he covers in his latest book, A Very annual event was subsidised by the BBC Centre, Broadcasting House, hear about it because there were no British Revolution . In it he airs a little- until 14 years ago, when Norman and Mike Cardiff, CF5 2YQ. Returning it no reporters in the field. We didn’t know the exposed talent for poetry. took up the reins. The retirees have paid truth of it.’ I was your Honourable Friend their way ever since. later than 31 July. Applications are an He described how, in his capacity as A pity that it had to end. Time is running out, but if anyone feels like considered annually in September. Unicef ambassador, he witnessed And then to avoid the sneers of Mr taking on the task, they should contact In no circumstances can continuing thousands pouring into Jihadist training Paxman Norman ([email protected]) or Mike help over a number of years be camps in East Africa. Again, it was an I wrote a cheque and sent it to the taxman ([email protected]). promised. unreported story. He lightened the mood further with his ‘We are in the most dangerous time in our memories of working at the BBC. ‘The lives since 1945,’ he warned. ‘Our worse the buildings, the better the 020 8752 6666 old journalists and our journalism are letting us programmes,’ he said, reflecting on recent developments in West One and Salford. And he remembered Alexandra Palace, Prospero where the bar was twice the size of the studio. events ‘Our journalists are letting us ‘There were two shifts. The drunk and the We have a new Prospero not-so-drunk’. events page for the down... We will pay the price’ Club’s biggest section, campaigner Picture: Ray Liffen keeping you updated with all Prospero events and discounts. You can find it in the events section on the website (https://www.bbcclub.com/eArticle.php tters ?r=2002) About those vans... Could this Commer be one of ours? Le extra Theatre offer Ex-BBC Radio Cleveland Producer Graeme Aldous’ suggesting that it might have been BBC, although Ken Sister Act at the London Palladium - rather specialist subject of ex-Civil Defence Land- said that there was no trace of a grey band at the waist I would like to ask John Trenouth about the old scanners in its operational life at BBC Leeds as a temporary gallery best seats in the house for just £35 – Rovers registered in the SXF*** series has been featured height. But there were many layers of other colours on the care of the National Media Museum (Prospero, March). I during the refurbishment of their Woodhouse Lane studios (usual price £62.50). Based on the hit before in Prospero , leading to photos and stories of top, and for much of its later life the van had been owned have been trying for years to establish the identity of those and was offered to the museum (in about 1986). movie, Sister Act the show features Manchester OB Land Rover UYL67 being sent to by a circus act, who converted it into a living van. Now scanners, without success and I find John’s paragraph It was in a very tired state when the museum acquired it Patina Miller in the role made famous by America, where the current owner is restoring the Ken wants to restore it, preferably to its original confusing. The reference to ‘a CMCR2 with EMI 2001 and actually had about nine camera chains with it, all of Whoopie Goldberg (co-producer of the vehicle to its original state. condition. cameras’ must refer to a BBC type-2 scanner which would which were in fairly battered condition. Many were show). Miller is ‘a genuine star’ Now Graeme’s hobby has led to another appeal for The photos show a high-roofed body, with large be either CMCR4, CMCR5 or CMCR6 or CMCR10, 11 or incomplete as they had been used as donors to keep the (Independent ) who ‘fills the stage with information about a possible BBC vehicle — only this windows in the rear sides. There’s a hinged driver’s door, 12. (The NMM’s one is rumoured to be possibly CMCR5, other cameras working. Fortunately in July 1991 I was star quality’ ( Evening Standard ). She time it isn’t a Land Rover. a sliding door on the nearside, and a further door at the formerly London Unit 5). offered some mint condition 2001 camera chains (possibly stars alongside Sheila Hancock, who ‘I had an email from Ken Sparkes in East Anglia,’ says rear, either side of which are hinged flaps (possibly for The reference to ‘a CMCR5 with Philips LDK25 cameras’ the last ones used by the BBC) from the EastEnders studio gives ‘a show-stopping performance’ Graeme, ‘asking about SXH643 — a mid-50s Commer cables?). There are fixing brackets for a substantial is even more confusing. I suspect that this refers to a BBC at Elstree. Four of these were fitted to the type 2 to replace (Daily Mirror ) as Mother Superior, and Karrier van with a special coach-built body. He thought removable towbar, maybe suitable for towing a type-5 scanner and if so, this would be equipped with the motley collection that had come with it. Ian Lavender ( Dad’s Army , EastEnders ). that the SXH registration was close enough to SXF to generator trailer. Phillips LDK5 cameras. The type-5 scanner is indeed fitted with LDK25 cameras. All offers will be valid for Monday-to- be ex-Civil Defence, but I had to disappoint him There’s evidence that the vehicle had a chimney hole Jerry Clegg The LDK5s were triax versions of the 25, but the camera Thursday performances. Log on to the because there’s no record in the roof from new, and a second fuel tank (probably chains with this type-5 are definitely polypole LDK25s. I was Save page of the Club website of SXH being used by for some form of interior heater). This tank was later I was very interested in the article by John Trenouth – but I led to believe that this particular scanner had at one time the Home Office. But it converted to take waste water from the sink when the feel an error has crept in. I am fairly certain that the first been converted to Sony BVP360 cameras (triax) and then is one of a batch of van became a caravan. Ken can’t find any evidence that EMI2001 cameras were installed in CMCR4. The first colour converted back to the LDK25s. This particular scanner was Suits discount London registrations suggested equipment racks were fitted inside, but there cameras were the Peto Scott ones in CMCR1 and probably one of a pair that had been offered for sale by BBC 10% discount at Tailor Made London – reserved for official was space for a second battery. in CMCR2 and 3. redundant plant. One of them had sold fairly quickly, but the bespoke tailoring offers suits from £450, vehicles, so what could Graeme’s BBC suggestion led Ken to research the R.G. Gibbs second one attracted no real interest and eventually I asked crafted within four weeks. it be?’ Commer story a little closer, and he found that there if we could have it. Log on to the Save page of the Club A clue came when Ken was evidence of a batch of Karrier Bantam vans being John Trenouth replies: Somehow in my final editing Both scanners are currently stored under cover at Science website said that near the bottom used for OBs, with special bodies built by Mickelover process I removed the wrong part of a sentence. What I had Museum Wroughton, near Swindon. We did have the type-2 of the layers of paint Transport in north west London. Maybe SXH643 was intended to say was: ‘the National Media Museum have two on display outside the museum at Bradford for nearly a there was a faint trace of a one of those? examples, a CMCR type -2 and a CMCR type -5’. year, but a protracted war with the local traffic wardens, Shutters and blinds circular crest or logo. If anyone recognises the vehicle, or has memories of The type-2 scanner is a CMCR5 which was originally who insisted on sticking fixed penalty notices on it because 15% discount at The California The bottom layer was those Karrier vans, then Graeme would be delighted to either L05 or L06. I believe it also spent some time at it had no tax disc in it, eventually led to its return to Company. Log on to the Club website definitely deep green. hear from you at [email protected] – he’ll pass Birmingham (possibly as Birmingham number 01). It ended Wroughton. This led to Graeme on any details to Ken Sparkes. 6 • • • April • 2010 April • 2010 • • 7 Back at the BBC Back at the BBC MONEY MATTERS Review: rage over cuts to radio services The BBC’s strategic review has provoked fierce debate inside and outside the Corporation, Sambrook insists he doesn’t dwell on Resolutions and to judge from the letters page in Ariel , staff Richard Sambrook the past. will be making their views known about the We got on his way to give ‘I am not someone who looks back and closure of two radio services in particular in evidence to the Hutton has great regrets. You keep moving for a the forthcoming consultation led by the BBC Inquiry in 2003 forward.’ Trust. things And indeed he did. Within months of the Asked why close a service (6 Music) that Hutton report he became head of global new serves an area in which the commercial news. He says, despite rumours to the sector has no interest, Mark Thompson said: wrong, contrary, that the two events were not ‘It doesn’t reach a very big audience and it is related. tax quite expensive. If you built it up it would be He has enjoyed being global. ‘In the competing more aggressively with main - last few years we have had significant stream commercial radio... In our view it is admits the audience growth; we have got Arabic year better to go ahead with two strong music TV, Persian TV, more output on the stations [Radios 1 and 2].’ man who web; yes we closed some services, By Bob Perkins But Barnaby Perkins in the stills library but we’ve had the freedom to build a The 2010/2011 attacked an ‘empty-headed, shameful and really good service – it has been really tax year sees depressing’ stance. satisfying.’ significant changes in the income tax ‘The main criterion for assessing any pro - got it right As Richard Sambrook tidies his desk, regime, mostly for those on high gramme, channel or station should simply be: and empties his diary, the ramifications of incomes. However, this is a timely Is it any good? If there is a reason why senior What does a man look back on after 30 He was also editing the Nine the night doing 24 hour news and had live the strategy review are reverberating reminder to look at ways of reducing management get paid so much it should be for years in the BBC, scaling the of Lockerbie. He describes the story as capability everywhere. That round the BBC. tax. the ability to answer this question, and if they management heights and being involved one that ‘grew through the evening’, from transformation in the 90s was amazing, From his vantage point at the exit, It is worth remembering that the tax can’t see past listening figures (comparatively in some of the biggest events of the first reports of an explosion at a petrol and it was great to be a part of it.’ Sambrook believes this is a crucial system treats us individually, which small for 6 Music but up 12 percent year on time? station, to the story that a light aircraft But no one’s career can be all highlights moment for the BBC, and a crucial means that we each have our own year) and specious arguments from Murdoch Richard Sambrook is off to the greener had crash landed on the petrol station, to – and Richard Sambrook was part of one statement of intent. He sees it as a real allowances, reliefs and tax bands to and his thuggish clan, then there is something grass of corporate PR, and he reminisces the awful news that a transatlantic of the most traumatic events in the opportunity to underline the national use. Where appropriate, we need to seriously wrong.’ with fondness on his career at the BBC – passenger plane had exploded over the history of the BBC – the row over Andrew importance of the corporation in the ensure that we take maximum For those who haven’t heard it, 6 Music the hard times and the highlights. village. Gilligan’s report on the Today programme digital future of Britain. advantage. For example, in the case of was launched in 2002 and is home to A news man all his working life ‘We were scrabbling for information and which led to the Hutton inquiry, the ‘If we show we have thought hard, married couples, where one is paying presenters like Jarvis Cocker, Lauren Sambrook says: ‘There were three or four pictures, and all the time it was getting censuring of the BBC and the departure retracted a little and really defined income tax at a higher rate than the Laverne, Steve Lamacq and Tom Robinson. things which were moments of history, nearer to nine o’clock, then we were on of the chairman of the Governors and the ourselves, the strengths of the BBC, its other, consideration should be given to Its purpose was to drive digital radio take-up. like being in Berlin when the Wall came air and I was trying to drive the story then-DG Greg Dyke. David Kelly, link to its audiences, will be recognised.’ rearranging savings and investment But while the audience has grown to down. You are so aware it is a turning during the bulletin.’ Gilligan’s source for the story, committed He expresses no regret at leaving as the income so that maximum use is made 695,000 listeners, it still reaches only one point in history, and you are so privileged Sambrook moved from output to news suicide. BBC prepares for change all around. of the lower tax rates. percent of the adult population and a recent to be there telling the story to the world.’ management in 1992, becoming Sambrook, who was director of news at ‘It’s time to go, it’s been great, on with In some cases where one individual is BBC Trust review showed that only 20% Sambrook was putting out the Nine Newsgathering news editor, and head of the time, says now: ‘Although there were whatever’s next.’ a non-taxpayer, use might be made of were aware of the network’s existence. O’Clock News on November 9 1989 when the department in 1996. a lot of difficult moments around Hutton, What’s next is a couple of months off, a their personal allowance and also the Staff were equally angry about the proposed the Reuters wire agency flashed the story He has fond memories of being there as and there is no question that the BBC got visiting professorship at Oxford, and then 10% band that relates to savings closure of the Asian Network. The Black and that the East German government was huge changes took place. When he some things wrong, at its core it was a whole new career in PR, working for income. Asian Forum said it would make the BBC’s opening the wall. ‘I knew it was either the started only four BBC News bureaux in about defending the independence of the Edelman, the world’s biggest Rearranging income is also important task of attracting more staff from Asian back - biggest story ever, or the biggest cock the world were equipped for live tv BBC and that was very important. independent public relations company. for those in retirement, especially grounds even harder, and presenter Niksh up.’ The next day he flew to Berlin to broadcasts, and none of those was in ‘Gilligan undoubtedly made mistakes, He’ll be global vice chairman and chief where it can enable them to get Rughani challenged the BBC to find other cover the extraordinary scenes unfolding Europe. but the story he broadcast was broadly content officer, helping clients produce maximum use of the increased ways to match the quality of output at present in the city. He says: ‘Within a few years we were right.’ video and online content. personal allowances that apply to offered to the Asian community. individuals aged 65 and over. ‘If quality, world class journalism is what Those on higher incomes, in excess Mark Thompson wants, then we are providing of £100,000 may lose some or all of it. We cover sport in a way that nobody else in halved, and spending reduced by 25%. have more ‘signature’ work along the lines of WS director Peter Horrocks. lowest paid. They are also seeking a guarantee their basic personal allowance, the Western world [does]... We’re the only While free online access to independent, House of Saddam , which charted the rise and TALKING POINTS Geldof accused the World Service of ‘intense that the increase will apply to all staff meaning that, in 2011/2012, the radio station in the world that gives a platform impartial news is guaranteed, the future of fall of the Iraqi tyrant. Forthcoming produc - systemic failure’, and said the documentary has employed in salary bands 2-11, whether effective rate of tax that they pay on to UK Asian artists.’ some jobs is unsure as some of the more tions which, it is hoped, will follow in been discredited by experts in the field. they’re on continuing, fixed term or flexible their income between £100,000 and But the BBC has questioned the value of inconsequential and frivolous web sections Saddam ’s footsteps include the sixpart pI won’t repeat the many valid calls that For years the great hope of DAB was Christian Aid was one of a number of contracts, and they want an end to last year’s £113,000 is 60%. Those on taxable the service for some time. From an audience close. thriller The Shadow Line , written by Hugo 6 Music provides unique, valued content the switch of car radios. However, this is charities which said the report gave too ban on staff bonuses. incomes in excess of £150,000 will pay of more than half a million in 2007/8, the Celebdaq and Sportdaq, which provide a Blick, and – as part of a special season on the to a distinct demographic (the BBC Trust a false dawn as DABs are relatively high much credit to the claims of two former higher rate tax of 50% on income eclectic service – offering journalism, debate, lighthearted guide as to which personalities 1980s – The Royal Wedding and Worried acknowledged as much); what does in electrical consumption (affecting members of the Tigrean People’s Liberation above that level. music, drama, entertainment and sport – are either ‘on the up’ or ‘going down’, are About the Boy , a biopic of Boy George. need bringing to att‘’ention is that the overall performance). So new cars are Front that they had diverted money meant Evans above For the vast majority of people, dropped to 357,000 in the autumn of 2009. immediate victims, being removed from ‘We’re talking about state of the nation performance of the station is distorted by advertised with connectivity to MP3 for food aid to funding their fighters. Chris Evans, now in the Radio 2 breakfast pension contributions will still attract Latest Rajar figures show it holding steady at BBC online as of now. Mark Thompson pieces,’ says Jana Bennett, director of BBC the slow uptake of DAB technology. players instead. In particular, Christian Aid feels the chair vacated by Terry Wogan, is confound - relief from income tax and provide a tax 360,000, as its chief rival Sunrise radio admits they’re ‘rather fun’, but thinks it’s Vision, who wants viewers to get a sense that The date of the tv signal switchover put This has many large implications for all documentary maligned one of its former ing his critics. Challenged with hanging on efficient means of saving for the longer maintains its dominance of British Asian lis - right to look ‘very hard’ at sections with no they can expect drama more often on BBC a pressure on the public that has resulted radio habits (not just the digital services). workers, Max Peberdy, who wrote a book to the biggest audience in radio, he on course term. Do not forget, however, that from tening. strong links to programmes. Two. in the new format becoming ubiquitous. While I agree in principle to the about his work in Africa. to register more than Wogan’s record audi - 6th April 2010, the minimum age at But this doesn’t mean that BBC online is In factual, strong, authored works such as Radio listeners have had no such re-focusing of the corporation’s In a statement the BBC said: ‘The ence of 8.1 million. Figures for February sug - which benefits can normally be taken going to be just serious news and information Andrew Marr’s History of Modern Britain are consumer pressure, and so DAB sales breadth/cost effectiveness, this proposal programme made clear that the assertion gest that he’s attracting 8% more listeners. will increase from 50 to 55. Websites refocused and education. also seen as the way to go. have only been slightly above the rate of smacks of a superficial concession. We that 95 percent of the aid routed through the Evans told Twitterers: ‘It’s probably the best There are savings and investments But the bigger victim is the online services, ‘It does mean though that a carte blanche Another aim is to use BBC Two as a launch replacement (jumping slightly each need to look at how our digital reality TPLF relief society was diverted for other news I’ve ever had.’ which are tax advantaged and which employing 1,600 people. The number of to do absolutely everything is over. My view pad for ‘new mainstream’ comedy. Christmas). shapes up against what we expected, purposes was made by a once high-ranking do not increase our exposure to tax. sections to be found in bbc.co.uk is to be is that what will succeed on the web are very ‘The network is a great starting point [for So when the trust says ‘only one percent then assess its performance. TPLF figure, now in exile. National Savings Certificates offer clear propositions. People will go to comedy],’ says Bennett. of the population listens to 6 Music’ that is But above all, why can’t we have ‘It is entirely correct to report these returns that are a tax free alternative to sites where they are very clear about ‘Think of its heritage with programmes hugely skewed by the fact that the vast quality AND quantity? comments, which are his own and not those Plea over games bank accounts and may be suitable for what they will get.’ such as The Royle Family , Absolutely Fabulous majority of listening is still through analogue. Ben Spoor of the BBC. They relate only to aid for areas The BBC wants the Commonwealth Games holding some short term emergency The idea is to make BBC online truly and The Office .’ then held by TPLF rebels, and not to the to become a ‘category A’ event, meriting live funds. The new ISA limit for everyone distinctive, offering high quality con - total famine relief effort for Africa.’ coverage on free-to-air tv. Currently it is in the of £10,200 per person, which comes tent and leaving more room for other ‘B’ category (can be shown on pay tv, provid - into force from 6th April 2010, provides players to Limits on Worldwide commercial review and now underlined by ed secondary coverage, such as highlights and scope for tax efficient income as well succeed. A further intention is to turn Worldwide will be making no more acquisi - Thompson’s strategic study – the director- Africa aid row Pay pressure delayed broadcasts, is available free-to-air), and as a means of sheltering future growth. bbc.co.uk into ‘a window on the web’ tions like Lonely Planet, but despite the general sees BBCW’s future as digital, rather Christian Aid is making a formal complaint The BBC’s plans to save on the cost of the BBC has called for it to be upgraded in its These are a few thoughts about by providing at least one external link widely reported planned sale of BBC than in print. to the BBC Trust about a BBC World running the BBC include its intention to cut response to the government’s consultation on a planning for the new tax year but it is on every page. Magazines, the future of the publishing busi - A sale of the magazines business longer Service Assignment report on aid to Ethiopia the wage bill by reducing the number of review of listed events. also important to seek independent ness is by no means decided. term then? ‘It may well mean retaining some in the1980s. senior managers by 100, freezing senior level advice. For a start, some of the division’s assets – magazines, certainly retaining the editorial Bob Geldof, the man behind Band Aid and pay and suspending bonuses. Those Boost for Two Radio Times for instance – are ‘very precious heart of these magazines.’ Live Aid has also been vitriolic in his anger measures, announced in November, would Ayre returns Bob Perkins DipPFS is Technical BBC Two is a notable winner. It stands pieces of BBC heritage’, Thompson says. Overall the thrust will be towards about the report, which suggested that slice £20m off the salary bill for top earners. Former BBC News executive Richard Ayre is Manager Origen, financial advisers to get an extra £25m a year from 2013. Other titles, like the market-leading Top international markets, with a clearer focus famine aid was used to fund local militia. But if the unions get their way the slice will to be a BBC trustee, effective from August 1, endorsed by the BBC Pension Trust. The plan is to re-establish it as ‘the Gear , are ‘part of a bigger story about BBC on securing value from the BBC’s Geldof called for the sacking of World be somewhat smaller. Bectu, the NUJ and replacing Richard Tait. Ayre is currently the For advice from Origen, contact Mark home of intelligent and ambitious brands which have global importance’. intellectual property, and keeping away from Service New Africa editor Martin Plaut, who Unite have jointly submitted a pay claim of Ofcom content board member for England Ryan, phone 0844 209 3925 drama, comedy and factual’. Within the new ‘tough limits’ on any activity not in keeping with the BBC made the documentary, Andrew Whitehead, 5.7 percent – two percent above inflation – and chair of Ofcom’s Broadcasting Review On the drama front the intention is to Worldwide activity – set by the BBC Trust’s brand. WS head of news and current affairs, and and a minimum rise of £1,000 to help the Committee. He will step down from that role. 8 • • April • 2010 April • 2010 • • 9 Obituaries Obituaries Satellite The talent TV specialist who blossomed in retirement engineer Eric Duncan Graves , who Theodore Stephen Fox , or Steve Fox as he He enjoyed the more artistic side of the improvement of technical and operation music, literature, Alpine plants and and Magnolia Yearbooks Cumulative Index worked at the BBC from behind is better known, was born in Birmingham in engineering and hated sport. He was much standards, and the introduction of an rhododendrons all of which he pursued 1946-1997 , a work requiring obsessive and 1963 to 1994, died suddenly 1924. He studied electrical engineering at happier lighting Durham Cathedral than outside broadcast unit. with considerable vigour. meticulous attention to detail. on February 22 aged 72. Birmingham University and, after a spell in being responsible for the smooth running of This necessitated a dramatic change from In the 70s and 80s he was a keen member Steve’s most memorable physical feature Eric was an engineer who teaching, joined the BBC as a lecturer at the Grand National coverage. the rather robust language customarily used of the Kinder Scout Mountain Rescue was his eyebrows – growths as luxuriant as worked at TVC for most of the titles ETD Woodnorton, specialising in electrical The reorganisation of regional within the BBC to the more emollient Team, and later combined his love of the rhododendrons he nurtured with such his career, and was closely fundamentals, television lighting and management in the late 50s saw Steve approach to which the Hong Kong staff walking and horticulture by trekking in care. After a chance meeting with Ken involved in the development acoustics. become EiC operations, North Region. A were more accustomed. By all accounts, he some of the wilder areas of the world in Dodd in a studio one day, Dodd was heard of satellite communication. Following Woodnorton, Steve became further reorganisation under ‘Broadcasting triumphed! search of new plants and to collect seeds. to remark: ‘Eyebrows like that would be He is survived by his partner lighting engineer for the north of England in the 70s’ made him manager operations, Following retirement, he undertook His garden contained what has been worth another £20K to me.’ John Stewart, who and Scotland – a situation that would be Manchester network production centre, missions on behalf of the International described as one of the best rhododendron Regrettably, they were not worth the same remembers a man with rather busy for one person to handle these which proved to be his last post in the BBC. Telecommunications Union to establish or collections in the country. to Steve. a very orderly mind, and a days – and then, as the television service Prior to early retirement, Steve spent 18 improve television services in Botswana, It is a measure of the man that in 1997 he He is survived by his wife Anne and his passion for art and rapidly expanded, senior television engineer, months on secondment to radio and Bangladesh, Egypt and Malawi. published a volume entitled Royal daughters Linda and Alice. galleries. assistant EiC and acting EiC, Manchester. television Hong Kong advising on training, He had numerous interests – walking, Horticultural Society Rhododendron Camellia Ken Gregory Goodnight to the ‘voice of The Archers’ How laughing Like many others I first became aware of BBC Local Radio, first in Leicester in en masse for various musical festivals from afar of Barry Lankester as the then in Birmingham. He was one of the and competitions. He also regularly ‘voice of the Archers ’, each night founding producers of the old Radio broadcast commentaries of the matches introducing the latest episode on national Birmingham – later WM of course – and I of Moseley Rugby Club. radio. met him when I moved to the Midlands to Barry died in a Birmingham nursing Alan Jeapes , television graphic But to Midlanders he was one of a team join the production staff in 1970. home and his care and welfare in his last designer who created the title of announcers in the old Midland Region He was famous for producing music years was unstintingly supervised by his sequence for EastEnders , has died in bringing news and music programmes to programmes of all types, including the wife Marigold (herself ex-BBC). the same month as the programme Don legged it the local audience in the sixties and first community ‘all race’ programmes in For me he was my first producer and celebrated its 25th anniversary. seventies. He also read the regional news local radio. It even included a weekly then a colleague and mentor in the It says something for his talent as a in vision, and when things developed news section in Esperanto! hugely enjoyable business of designer, that the titles still run with his became the first presenter of Midlands Later we co-produced a famous series broadcasting, guiding me through the original concept and are known and Today . of brass band competitions. Following developments of style and stagecraft. loved by generations of viewers. He also enjoyed a short time at this he pioneered the BBC He found the change in broadcasting In the1960s he was one of a new Alexandra Palace reading the national Wolverhampton operation and I followed from formal and structured to the breed of graphic designers who news. In one amazing, pioneering bulletin him there in the mid 1980s. informal and more ‘instant’ (and possibly brought standards of professionalism from the he was the presenter when a test match He really was a great local radio not so well crafted) a challenge, but we and innovation to the then new craft of was in a critical situation. They ran the producer getting literally hundreds of all, past and present in the BBC, owe him moving image design in television. news titles over the continuing coverage a never to be forgotten Christmas Day people on the air in the early days. a great deal for what he did to make Alan was born in New Malden in and started the bulletin without live national hook up, and the first Many people will have been part of his broadcasting more accessible, and to 1937. After graduating from Kingston interrupting the coverage. broadcast of Britten’s War Requiem from musical weekends at the old Pebble Mill guarantee that local radio would work, Art School in 1958 he began his career He had been a studio manager and was the then new Coventry Cathedral. studios where, on weekends in the and work well. designing medical packaging at heavily involved in major programmes like All of this prepared him to be a pioneer seventies and eighties, they would troop Pete Simpkin Burroughs Welcome, then press and publicity for ABC TV. From the first a battlefront passion for typography informed his Donald John Martin , who died on of their vehicle giving the Egyptians a target. dedication – especially one whose business John was born in Palmers Green in north and spent 65 very happy years together. He Birmingham, where I was based from 1973. He worked to the standards set by the BBC work. February 3, was a gentleman – reliable, loyal, Don and his colleague began running for card said: ‘Recordist to the Three London in 1922. As a youngster growing up was not only a devoted husband but a won - Her little chats about crews and personali - which he joined, and didn’t have much time Alan joined the BBC Design caring, and a thoroughly nice person with cover as fast as they could. His colleague can Dimblebys.’ he was interested in radio, and when he left derful father, grandfather and great grand ties, away from the London environment, for what may be described as the compro - Department in 1964. Experimenting whom to work. still remember the smile on Don’s face as David Johnson school went to North London Polytechnic to father. John always liked to have family were held behind my office door, and pro - mised practices which have emerged over the with its only rostrum camera, his first Don left school when he was 15 and joined they heard the director shouting from study electrical engineering. around him and particularly enjoyed cele - duced a few laughs! years. venture from print design to moving the BBC at 16, the youngest age possible as behind: ‘Come back you cowards!’ In 1940 he joined the BBC at Broadcasting brating his and Kathleen’s golden and dia - She worked on many shows, and those Alistair was respectful of rules, except when image were the titles for Thorndyke . a ‘boy in training’ at Broadcasting House. Don epitomised all that was best about the Wardrobe master House and a year later transferred to Bush mond wedding anniversaries with all the who worked with her will remember them he had a healthy disrespect for them. Many more followed including Famous At 18 he was required to do National BBC. He helped young assistants, both Stephen George joined the busy BBC cos - House where he worked until his retirement family. all. But to me she always spoke fondly about It will be forever un-documented just how Gossips , Westminster at Work , Softly Service for 18 months, joining the RAF sound and camera, whenever possible. tume department in the 1970s. in 1982. John spent 27 years in retirement and bus - Cold Comfort Farm and what seemed like a many mini-crises were averted by Alistair Softly , Colditz , Bread or Blood , Cold where he spent most of his time captaining Having him by their side in difficult situa - With his meticulous attention to detail and His engineering talents were widely recog - ied himself using his knowledge at Epsom great job in Jersey on Bergerac ! turning up hugely early for his shifts, spot - Warrior and most famously, RAF cricket teams. tions was a boost. charming smile he was in demand to look nised together with his enthusiasm and ded - Hospital Radio. He kept totally up to date After Ros retired she collaborated with ting a problem and sorting it out before any - EastEnders . His evocative title During his training in radio he met and I met Don in Peru in 1970. I was part of a after leading actors on productions such as with modern technology. Philip Lawe to produce a CD of orchestrat - one else ever knew about it. sequence for Secret Army shot from married Jane, who was a recording engineer news crew covering an earthquake. The Devil’s Crown , Prince Regent , The In more recent years, despite ill health, ed versions of her father’s (Clifton Parker) There was never a problem Alistair could - the point of view of a downed airman and an ex-RAF wireless operator. Chimbote, near the epicentre of the quake, Gathering Seed , Bergerac , A Perfect Spy and As largely due to diabetes, he and Kathleen very many film scores. She was immensely proud n’t solve, nor a fault he could not explain. escaping along roads and rail tracks to A few years later, as a recording engineer, was wrecked. Food was non-existent, and Time Goes By . much enjoyed visiting the family, and two of his music and indeed it was played at her Alistair was a gentleman in every sense of the distant light of a safe house won he was transferred to Television Film Studios polluted water was a no-no. Someone Initially a quiet and shy member of any years ago, moved to Norfolk, where they funeral. the word. He would always take the time to Alan the 1980 BAFTA. at Ealing as an assistant recordist. He was offered me a sack of oranges, and during the team, Stephen had a great sense of humour, were very happy. When Ros was diagnosed in the spring she explain things to colleagues and made a In 1986 he created the identity for later promoted to recordist. next day I squeezed the juice out to quench while remaining kind and thoughtful. Sadly, John’s health declined in recent was determined there would be no fuss, and point of sharing his substantial knowledge BBC2. As a typographic purist, Alan Based at Lime Grove as part of a current my thirst. He was always stylish, swooping in to work months and he spent much of his last year in only her closest friends were involved in the with anyone needing help, and would often broke with the numeric ‘2’. Using early affairs film crew, he travelled the world, cov - On my return to Lima the oranges took in his Loden coat and snazzy scarf. hospital. However despite all adversity, he months of treatments, hospitalisation, stays be found working co-operatively with main - computer graphics, his memorable ering topical stories from wars, disasters, hos - their revenge. Don and cameraman Reg Stephen adapted to changing times and lat - maintained his enthusiasm for life. in her own home, and trips over to tenance colleagues to ensure that problems version had the word TWO emerging pitals for sick children, and drug addicts in Pope, who were covering for Lime Grove terly was equally valued as the sole wardrobe Mary Luke (daughter) Gunnersbury Park with the ‘dog-walking’ could be most efficiently resolved. from a pure white background. Hong Kong. topical unit, heard that a news crew was in master on Chucklevision , dressing a large cast group she had joined since retirement. He was enthusiastic about amateur radio On retirement a love of rugby Don was a dependable rock on whom col - town, and that the sound recordist was ill. of teenagers on Grange Hill or as part of a Ros had no close family latterly, but I was and had extensive knowledge of the subject, discovered during National Service saw leagues could rely without hesitation. They introduced themselves, and hourly small costume team on The Armando Drama associate not living in London, and can only deeply but moved on to amateur television, often Alan most Saturdays lending booming Although a man of few words, he had a great plied me with potions that contained a good Iannucci Shows . Roselyn Clifton Parker (Ros) died peaceful - appreciate the loving care given over these recounting stories to colleagues of his visits support to Harlequins. At 6’4” with a sense of humour and fun. He knew right measure of spirits. He greatly enjoyed travel with his partner, ly in Charing Cross Hospital, where she had months by Carol Parks, Marian McDougall, to the hills establishing links. big personality, his presence in any from wrong and was never afraid to speak From that day Don became my special, val - Richard Wells, and the theatre, particularly been going through treatments for cancer Tom Lindsay and Sue Morcome. This was a pursuit which sat very comfort - gathering was impossible to ignore. out against injustice. ued friend. I felt that he and Reg had saved musicals. since the spring, on December 1. She was only 66 and we miss her. ably with his love of Ayrshire. He’ll be remembered as an immensely There are many stories told of events that my life. Sadly, about two years ago, Stephen was ication. He was popular among his col - She was my best friend, and we met when Dawn Robertson Electronics were obviously in his blood kind man by all. A wonderful raconteur Don covered as a sound recordist. On one Don wrote over a hundred short stories diagnosed with Alzheimers Disease. Cared leagues and always willing to share his Ros joined the drama department at and, with his wry sense of humour, he would and with a ready wit, he was occasion he and a colleague, accompanied by documenting some of the assignments he for tenderly by his friend and neighbour knowledge. Television Centre in 1966. She had taken a tell tales of boyhood experiments often stimulating company. a maniac director, were filming together for covered while serving in the topical unit. Marilyn Chaherli and her family, he died He is perhaps summarised in two tributes stage management course at RADA and then Work ethic involving huge voltages and explosions. Alan was a meticulous designer and Panorama during the Yom Kippur war in They make fascinating and informative read - aged 61. paid to him when he retired. One colleague worked at the Mermaid Theatre prior to Alistair Black joined the BBC in 1968 as a He worked extensively on the development an inspirational advocate for his craft. 1973. On one of the first days of the conflict ing. Ros Little and Rosalind Ebbutt wrote: ‘I still hold strong memories of the becoming a drama ‘AFM’. technical operator and in the subsequent 42 of broadcasting systems in the Pacific Quay In at the birth of television graphic they found themselves on the front line as Don’s hobbies were flying radio controlled time we worked together and the wealth of Like many of us she progressed through the years worked in a range of vision engineering studios, which will be a robust legacy for design, he was one of the true and their VW Combi pulled up on a ridge along - aircraft, which he built himself, and archery. achievement made during those years, none system to production unit manager (PUM!), roles. many years to come. influential innovators. side Israeli tanks overlooking the Suez Canal. He was masterful at both. Gentle manager of which would have been realised but for production associate and prior to early retire - He had an excellent work ethic, with a Alistair epitomised a generation of dedicat - He is survived by his wife Bobbie and After a short interlude shells began landing He was the perfect role model for his fam - John Campion , who has died aged 87, at his you.’ The other said: ‘He will be remem - ment in the mid-90s, associated producer. strong sense of responsibility towards his ed and hugely knowledgeable staff who will his two sons. perilously close and they were told in no ily, and all who had the good fortune to home in Norfolk, spent 41 years working for bered as a gentle part of senior management.’ Although Ros was a London-based mem - work, and embodied the established values be sadly missed by many past and present Graham McCallum uncertain terms to get the hell out of there, know him. The BBC will never realize the the BBC, retiring in 1982 from his post as John met his wife Kathleen in 1943 whilst ber of drama she also worked on ‘hosted’ of the BBC, believing that technical stan - friends and colleagues. as the sun was reflecting off the windscreen debt they owe employees of that calibre and manager, engineering services, Bush House. serving in the army. They married in 1944 programmes with staff from Pebble Mill in dards were paramount. Bill Ward 10 • • April• 2010 April • 2010 • • 11 Life after Auntie The son shines in Classifieds Elba island Beautiful private apartment in Porto Azzurro,overlooking the sea. Sleeps 5-6 All inclusive rates a new profession Tel:01260227262 or email maggie_harwood @btinternet.com For generations, it has been the with both theory and professional Seaview, Isle of Wight . fervent hope of every Jewish moth - contemporary practice and the sec - Wanting to get away for a break? er to be able to say proudly ‘my son ond (two years minimum) will Pleasant ETB 4* Studio Annexe, the doctor’, or perhaps ‘the lawyer’. include a 50,000-word thesis sleeps 2 comfortably. Near As the home/legal affairs corre - which could be based on a major Beach and Village. For details spondent for BBC News for 13 project (such as a TV documentary contact years (1989-2002), I was neither, series) undertaken as part of the [email protected] or but my media profile offered my candidate’s ‘day job’. Tel 01983 812180. mother no shortage of opportuni - At a time when the media indus - Barbados, St James, Beautiful ties to play one-upmanship. Yet the try is undergoing unprecedented 2 bedroom (sleeps 5) apartment, three years since I have been a change and scrutiny, this is an close West Coast beaches. Pool, (part-time) professor at the opportunity for the intellectually floodlit tennis court. Call 07802 University of Bedfordshire (in curious to apply their minds to the 483962 Media and Criminal Justice – challenges facing their world. If the Turkey, Kalkan Superb coast, probably the only one in the coun - (academic) cap fits, why not wear town and apartment. All details try to combine those two disci - it? www.kalkanapartment.org.uk plines) have taken her gratification To find out more, contact my from £250 to £400 per week. to fresh heights. colleague, Professor Luke Hockley, John Spain: near ‘My son the professor.’ How at [email protected] or see the Silverman MARBELLA/PUERTO BANUS. good does that sound! UoB website – www.beds.ac.uk Lovely villa,pools,sleeps But I am not the only BBC son 6-8,walk to beach. Contact to have found a new home at UoB. [email protected] My professorial colleague, Ivor Visit http://web.me.com/ Gaber, is a former Watchdog pro - drskelly/robertsvillas for details. ducer. The principal lecturer in BBCPA spreads the net 02089524369/07768285337 journalism, Robin Britten, was a Menorca: Detached villa with founding editor of 5Live and By Bud Evans private pool, sleeps 2-7. From deputy editor of The World at One . The BBC Pensioners’ Association is using the internet to recruit £498 p.w. For brochure/prices Ann Kaye, who teaches radio on a more members. 01621 741810 or visit part-time basis, also cut her teeth at One reason for re-launching its website in January was not only www.menorcaholidayvilla.co.uk the BBC (she is the partner of Peter to keep present members better informed but to increase the Rambler’s retreat, Niton, Smith, former industrial corre - association’s reach by adding links to other BBC-related websites, I.O.W. Holiday chalet set in spondent for Radio News). of which there are many. peaceful and private Don’t get the impression though It is already happening – there has been feedback from ex-BBC landscaped gardens at the that UoB, with its two campuses in people logging on for the first time. Now the push is on to southern tip of the Island. Luton and Bedford, is a cosy retire - persuade them to join the association. Sleeps two; double bed. Ideal ment home for BBC staff. We are ‘We know we are listened to by the people who count when we base for walkers - coastal path constantly looking to break new raise issues affecting BBC pensioners,’ says the membership passes our entrance. ground and, in that context, this secretary, Nicholas Whines. ‘We meet the Pension Fund trustees 01372 462732 or autumn we are launching an excit - from time to time, and get regular briefings on progress of the www.cottageguide.co.uk/ ing programme aimed, partly, at scheme from Geoff Jones, the pensioners-elected trustee. ramblersretreat mid-career media professionals ‘What the management committee is now keen to do is to (yes, some of my former BBC col - make our voice even stronger by making the association more leagues) who want to broaden their representative of BBC pensioners as a whole. We think we can Prospero Classifieds, horizons. show that the £10 a year it costs to be a member is well BBC Pension and Benefits It is called a Professional worth it.’ Centre, Broadcasting House, Doctorate and will be offered in The association can represent individuals with problems relating Cardiff, CF5 2YQ four subjects – journalism, media, to their pension, and has helped secure better access to BBC Please enclose a cheque made television and cinema. Study will buildings for pensioners. Targets ahead include campaigning for a payable to: BBC Central be part-time over a minimum of second pensioner-elected trustee. Directorates. three years, with lectures, seminars, ‘We have around 3,000 members now,’ says Nicholas. ‘By word Rate: £5 for 20 words tutorials etc taking place on Fridays of mouth and by using the greater reach of the website, In a covering letter please include and Saturdays. bbcpa.org.uk, we should be able to boost our numbers.’ your pension number The next issue will The first phase (a year) will deal appear in June

Book review BBC Wales headed by the indomitable Selwyn Roderick. It was here that he made a A tale from the mining valleys name for himself with network drama-documentary, his Out of the Valley by Richard Lewis; Y Lolfa, £8.95 such luminaries-to- subjects including the Welsh TV directors don’t usually reveal Resolving that be as Alan Protheroe ‘fasting girl’ Sarah Jacob, the much about themselves, letting there must be more and David Morris rumbustious religious revival of their programmes speak for to life than this, he Jones. 1904 and, most notably them, but in this autobiography applied for a job as At the Investiture of perhaps, the Welsh ‘extremist’ Richard Lewis – ‘Dic’ to his an assistant floor Prince Charles in John Jenkins, whom he found former colleagues in BBC Wales manager with the Caernarfon, an event ‘quite chilling.’ – gives us an insight into his BBC in Cardiff and, which aroused high Now living in retirement, background and values which much to his surprise, passions in Wales, Richard Lewis has put all this makes for absorbing reading. got it. Thus he he ‘chased after an behind him. His book is calm, Born in the Rhondda in 1938, became, as he puts explosion’ in a reflective, informative, laced with he was the son of a Methodist it, a ‘media person’ railway siding with his own sketches and poems, minister who preached to large at a time – the early reporter Martin Bell, and plentifully illustrated. congregations in what proved to 60s – when drama Richard long before the latter His insider’s account of be the last gasp of the vibrant went out live from a Lewis first donned a white programme-making is still ARIEL SUBSCRIPTIONS chapel culture of the South converted chapel in suit. relevant, although much has Wales mining valleys. the Broadway area of the city, This was all very well, but was changed in the multi-channel At Porth Grammar School which sounds a lot more it really Richard Lewis’s forte? world of today. He refrains from UK: 6 months £26 Richard had no clear idea what glamorous than it actually was. He had been keen on drama at making any comment on what 1 year £50 he wanted to do, and after Before long he found himself a school, and eventually found a he sees on the screen now, or Overseas: 6 months £36 graduating became a somewhat fully-fledged TV director, niche for himself in the newly- on the changed priorities of BBC 1 year £60 diffident science teacher in working first in news – about created features and Wales. This seems to me a pity. Pembrokeshire. which he knew very little – with documentaries department at Herbert Williams Please phone 01709 768 199

12 • • April 2010